Backing-up flash images

As when flashing, you will need to be in U-Boot in the NOR Flash. Log into the NOR uBoot menu and select Set console to USB (for FreeRunner just stay in NOR uBoot menu, do not select or enter anything). Now you will be able to flash, make backups of your FreeRunner or query the FreeRunner with dfu-util. Backup is fairly slow; it took over ten minutes to back up a 247 MB rootfs.

It is important that you connect the USB cable directly from your computer to your phone. If there is a hub between them, backup (and flashing) will mostly likely fail.

NOTE: On a Windows host, omit the "./" or "sudo ./" that precedes the commands listed on this page

Interactive script

This script is based on the above "Simple backup script" (by unknown). It does the backup of what you want and choose promting you for choices. Enjoy it! test it! contribute! You can find us at /server irc.freenode.net /j #openmoko and we'll be pleased to accept you help (ideas || code).

NOTE that the script works for me(tm) but it still needs some love. especially on traps and catches for wrong choices.

Pretty GUI Script

NeoTool is a zenity-based script which allows you to both backup and Flash your device from a pretty GUI. It uses both the dfu-util method and the alternate method described on this page, and can produce flashable images of everything including rootfs. Check it out.

Backing-up flash images

As when flashing, you will need to be in U-Boot in the NOR Flash. Log into the NOR uBoot menu and select Set console to USB (for FreeRunner just stay in NOR uBoot menu, do not select or enter anything). Now you will be able to flash, make backups of your FreeRunner or query the FreeRunner with dfu-util. Backup is fairly slow; it took over ten minutes to back up a 247 MB rootfs.

It is important that you connect the USB cable directly from your computer to your phone. If there is a hub between them, backup (and flashing) will mostly likely fail.

NOTE: On a Windows host, omit the "./" or "sudo ./" that precedes the commands listed on this page

Interactive script

This script is based on the above "Simple backup script" (by unknown). It does the backup of what you want and choose promting you for choices. Enjoy it! test it! contribute! You can find us at /server irc.freenode.net /j #openmoko and we'll be pleased to accept you help (ideas || code).

NOTE that the script works for me(tm) but it still needs some love. especially on traps and catches for wrong choices.

Pretty GUI Script

NeoTool is a zenity-based script which allows you to both backup and Flash your device from a pretty GUI. It uses both the dfu-util method and the alternate method described on this page, and can produce flashable images of everything including rootfs. Check it out.